Maharaj And Philander Frustrate India

Ashwin picks up four; home team secures a 326-run lead and has an option to enforce follow-on

- Amol Karhadkar, PUNE

Ravindra Jadeja tripped in his follow-up while going for a vociferous appeal early on in the morning. Rohit Sharma tumbled over an enthusiastic fan who managed to breach the security barrier and meet his idol. And the South African wickets continued to tumble as frequently as they did the evening earlier.

After an action-packed morning session, however, the 13,000-plus spectators — the largest turnout at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium — witnessed a grinding day of Test cricket with South Africa’s late order showing character to bat out the third day.

Steadying the ship

Captain Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock steadied the ship with a 75-run stand for the sixth wicket before Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj frustrated India’s bowlers by adding 109 for the ninth.

As a result, by the time Kagiso Rabada was trapped in front of the wicket by R. Ashwin, South Africa had ensured the Indian camp had the whole night to ponder over enforcing the follow-on. Despite the late fightback by the visitors, the impact of India’s bowlers early on meant that India enjoyed a 326-run advantage, having bowled South Africa out for 275 at the stroke of stumps.